IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Radiation-induced meningiomas

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Headache.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female

ASNR 2016: This case was submitted as part of the American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR 2016) Case Of The Day competition, in collaboration with Radiopaedia.org. 

Brain (non-contrast)

ct

Numerous intra-cranial lesions, some presenting severe mass effect on the lateral ventricles. Prominent basal ganglia calcification. Post-contrast images demonstrated vivid enhancement, homogenous in smaller masses and heteregenous in larger masses. 

Brain

mri

Numerous (approximately 20) intracranial, supratentorial, bilateral masses are noted. The largest is centered on the junction of the left anterior and middle cranial fossa, and demonstrates (to gray matter) iso-intense T1 signal, heterogenous iso/high T2/FLAIR signal and vivid high post-contrast T1 FS signal with internal flow voids indicative of blood vessels.

Other lesions demonstrate similar characteristics (some small lesions lack internal flow voids). Masses appear to be extra-axial as they distort overlying cerebral gyri and sulcli and many demonstrate a dural tail. High T2/FLAIR signal noted within the white matter of the left cerebral hemisphere, consistent with vasogenic edema.

The largest masses are on the left and along with vasogenic edema produce left-to-right midline shift of approximately 4mm and result in significant partial effacement of the left lateral ventricle and mild left uncal herniation.

No susceptibility artefact to indicate hemorrhage. No diffusion restriction. Basal ganglia calcification is noted.

Conclusion:

Findings are consistent with multiple meningiomas. It is unlikely that these dural masses represent metastases, particularly in view of the spoke-wheel blood supply demonstrated in the largest lesion.

The patient proceeded to craniotomy and resection of the largest lesions.

Histopathology

MACROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: 1. "Brain tumor": Two pieces of firm tissue, each 4mm. All in for frozen section. FS DIAGNOSIS: Meningioma - some nuclear atypia (AET). A1. 2. "Brain tumor": An ovoid piece of soft pink fawn tissue 27x14x10mm with attached grey membranous tissue 11x7x1mm at one edge of the specimen. TS x9. A2. (SWB) 3. "Posterior temporal tumor": A portion of brain tissue 36x26x17mm. A6. 4. "Left sphenoid tumor": Multiple fragments of soft and rubbery tan tissue measuring in aggregate 35x35x15mm. A5. (MAS)

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: 1-4. The sections show moderately cellular tumors with infiltration into the attached dura. They form fascicles and whorls. No sheeting arrangement is seen. The tumor cells have moderately enlarged nuclei and focal conspicuous nucleoli. There is 1 mitosis per 10 high power fields. The blood vessels contain foreign body material, consistent with preoperative embolization. There is no necrosis. No brain parenchyma is seen. The tumor cells are EMA and PR positive. The Ki-67 index is about 3%. The features are those of meningiomata. There are insufficient features for atypical or malignant change.

DIAGNOSIS: 1-4. Brain tumors: Meningiomata (WHO Grade I).

Case Discussion

This patient had a history of ALL as an infant treated with chemotherapy and whole brain radiotherapy. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.